The community is trying to come to grips after a triple homicide Sunday night in Cañon City. The victims were two young children and their mother.

Cañon City Police Officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Phay Avenue at about 8 p.m. to a report of a sexual assault. The reporting party was the neighbor of a teenage female who was assaulted in her home. Investigating officers found the bodies of three persons in the home, a 9-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman.

Also in the home was Jaacob Harding Vanwinkle, 31, who may face three counts of murder in the first degree.

Cañon City School Superintendent Dr. Robin Gooldy said the news was shocking, and it is especially difficult when children are the victims of such violence.

"This morning, additional counseling support was on duty at Washington Elementary from the high school staff and from West Central Mental Health to assist students and staff as they cope with this loss," he said Monday morning. "Principal (Brian) Zamarripa will be sending information to parents with advice regarding how to talk with their children about this situation."

Gooldy encourages parents to let school staff know if their child is struggling with the loss of a classmate, as assistance will continue to be made available.

"Our prayers are with the older sister as she struggles to deal with this horrible loss," he said.

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Diane Trujillo, children services director for Starpoint SPIN Preschool, said early childhood mental health specialists were brought in once the school learned that one of the children enrolled in the program was involved in the triple homicide.

"They were on site all morning to talk with all staff in all our agency Early Childhood Education programs," Trujillo said. "We are so saddened by the loss and are working directly with mental health specialists on how best to support the staff and children in our program, as well."

Trujillo said staff has not released the name of the child who was a student there, but when children ask for him, staff is letting them know there has "been an accident, and he will no longer be back."

"Families have been notified and certainly can share with their children however they feel best," she said. "Specialists are suggesting we start with this, and for most young children, this will be enough. For children who have more questions and want to know more, parents and adults can share with them what they feel comfortable sharing."

She said assuring staff and children they are safe is a priority for administrators at this time.

"We will also have the specialist here throughout the week to support teachers in the classroom with handling questions and working through their own sadness," she said. "For families who want to know what more to say, our specialist is on call, and West Central Mental Health Center has said they can support the community during this tragic time."

She said the organization's primary concern is the health and well-being of the school's children, staff and families.

"Our community has suffered a great loss, and our thoughts are with all those involved," Trujillo said. "We all just want to hug our children and families a little tighter, and we should."

Sadie Ebel-Swisher, program director for the Boys & Girls Club of Fremont County, said she and Tanya Marushack, mentoring director, attended a training last year for youth and grief that has prepared them to be able to help local club members deal with such incidents. She said the club planned to implement some of the materials Monday.

"I am not sure if any of our club members are directly related to the incident that happened Sunday, but I know it's going to affect our kids just because they are super sensitive, and this is a huge tragedy in our community," she said. "We are definitely going to be open and talk about it and plan our day as a solemn day."

She said the full staff was available to students, as well.

"We are just trying to build those relationships and create an environment where they feel safe and they feel like we are going to listen and care for them," she said.

Dean Horton, LMFT, Supervisor of Child and Family Services at West Central Mental Health Center, said during a crisis, it is vitally important for parents to monitor their own reactions to the crisis event.

"Children are watching their parents and how they are handling and reacting to a crisis," he said. "Many times, children will follow their parents emotional responses with their own. It is important not to overwhelm children with too much information, such as talking about it over the phone where the child can hear the conversation, talking about descriptive details and having the TV/radio news on throughout the day."

He said most important for parents is to be available for their children.

"Listen to them, let them drive the conversation, monitor their behaviors and emotional responses," he said. "Reassure them about the steps you are taking as their parent to keep them safe. Again, it is important to listen your child and to only provide appropriate information to them that they ask for. It is important to not provide too much detail or information, while still being honest about the crisis."

"Be especially aware of these guidelines through the next week or so, even after the initial crisis has ended," he said. "Periodically check in with your child. If your child appears to have increased problematic behaviors, or new behaviors that were not present before, such as nightmares, wanting to go to sleep with the light on, tearfulness, it would be appropriate to seek professional help."

Community members who would like to talk to a mental health professional can call WCMHC at 275-2351 or visit 3225 Independence Road.

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